Technology Revolution at CES 2026

CES 2026 was a sensory overload of gadgets and innovations, all displayed amidst an array of less-than-appealing carpets. The technical virtuosos of The Verge were on the scene, documenting the massive array of groundbreaking products and the latest tech advancements, which could be bewildering at times.

We've compiled a series of trend analyses from CES 2026 to demystify the whirlwind of activity and provide a glimpse into what might define the tech landscape in the coming year.

Key Observations

AI technology was omnipresent at CES, embedded in various devices from wearables to household appliances. This year saw AI integrated into unexpected products like grooming tools and stick vacuums, with some companies seemingly unsure about the AI aspects of their offerings.

Every CES sees TV brands vie for attention with larger, more vibrant displays. In a quest to capture the interest of consumers engrossed in handheld screens, TV manufacturers showcased their latest innovations.

AI's Surprising Applications

AI's reach stretched into curious territories at CES, popping up in products not immediately associated with high tech. In some cases, even manufacturers struggled to articulate the AI components of their devices.

Despite CES’s tendency to tout future tech with little immediate application, the talks surrounding solid-state batteries turned heads. Although promises of mass production were made as far back as 2018, those expectations are yet to materialize.

Transforming Television

For years, the television market has been dominated by titans like Sony, Samsung, and LG. However, brands like Hisense and TCL are closing the technology gap with significant strides in quality and innovation.

Hisense pioneered the use of RGB LED technology, and TCL’s latest models feature cutting-edge quantum dots and color filters, indicating an aggressive bid to catch up with industry leaders.

Unexpected Trends

Wi-Fi 8's debut at CES 2026 was a surprise given many homes still rely on Wi-Fi 6 and 7. Promising greater reliability and seamless connections, it's engineered for improved multimedia streaming and gaming experiences.

Robot assistants were also a talking point. While these autonomous helpers can’t yet manage all household tasks, they are advancing rapidly with capabilities expanding from cleaning to offering companionship.

Evolving Robotics and Power Solutions

Robot butlers are still a work in progress, yet specialized robots are gradually lightening the load of domestic chores. This year’s CES highlighted increasing roles for robotics in both home and work settings.

The power bank market has seen a surge in added features, often excessively so. Companies are striving to set themselves apart with power banks that now offer more than mere phone charging capabilities.

Advancements in Autonomous Driving

The latest autonomous car technologies were on showcase, particularly Nvidia's Drive Assist Pro, suggesting a competitive edge in the race against Tesla’s self-driving advancements.

As RGB technology becomes increasingly important in gaming monitors, companies like Asus and MSI are introducing models with enhanced display clarity and color vividness, marked by their innovative subpixel layouts.